Shandon, CA – A wrong-way, triple-vehicle crash on Highway 46 East claimed the lives of three people and left three others injured late Sunday night, July 30, 2024, as reported by The Fresno Bee.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), just before 10:30 PM, Saundra Foutz, 30, from Paso Robles, was driving a 2021 Mercedes westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 46 when she collided head-on with a 2022 Honda. A second eastbound vehicle, a 2015 Honda, then crashed into the initial wreckage.
The impact resulted in fatal injuries for the driver of the first Honda, a 24-year-old woman from Cutler, and her two passengers, a 32-year-old woman from Sanger and a 27-year-old man from Reedley. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of their families. The deceased were transported to the county Coroner’s Office.
Carlos Quinonez, 28, from Orange Cove, a passenger in the first Honda, and Foutz sustained major injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Quinonez was taken to Sierra Vista Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, while Foutz was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for surgery.
The driver of the third vehicle, 38-year-old Jess Lopez from Bakersfield, escaped with minor injuries and was not hospitalized.
While no alcohol was found in Foutz’s car, the presence of drugs has not been ruled out. Authorities continue to seek information regarding Sunday’s crash and encourage anyone with details to contact the Salinas Police Department.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a collision results in criminal charges for any of those involved, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income needed to support the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny. This is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney proves invaluable, negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
